It’s been a bit of a tough time for Crystal Palace over recent years in the English Premier League. After a good impact by Alan Pardew, things began to sour, with Palace in desperate trouble and facing relegation. Steve Parish made the best decision possible and employed Sam Allardyce as Pardew’s replacement. A man who has never been relegated from the top flight and has often dug even the most doomed teams out of trouble. Big Sam called time on his managerial career in May this year, step forward Frank de Boer.

Sunderland are worried that striker Connor Wickham could be heading for the Stadium of Light's exit door. West Ham have made a fresh bid for the striker, tabling an offer of 6.75 million pounds for the former Ipswich Town man.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet wants Connor Wickham to confirm his long term commitment to the Black Cats and sign a new contract with the club. Wickham enjoyed a rich vein of form at the end of last season.

Sunderland have allowed young striker Connor Wickham to move on loan to Leeds United until the end of the season. The 20-year-old had been linked with a host of other teams but has opted for a short term deal to move to Elland Road.